2016 Tanzania Vision Trip June 16 - June 29, 2016 Registration deadline, December 15, 2015 A “Vision Trip” is different from a “mission trip.” The primary goal of a POP Vision Trip to Tanzania is to accept the gracious hospitality of our Lutheran partners there as they share with us how they live out their call to be the church in that incredible, beautiful and impoverished place. We visit Lutheran schools, churches, hospitals and other places where the gospel is proclaimed and hope and healing are provided. That’s what POP Vision Trips to Tanzania are all about. They are life-changing journeys, full of wonder and adventure. You can visit our website to read the travel blogs from previous trips. There are now a good number of members here at POP who have experienced a life changing journey to Tanzania. They return with an expanded vision of the role of the Lutheran church in the world. The profound experience of being so warmly welcomed by people who appear to have so little, lasting friendships established with people who may live in mud huts or cement shacks on the other side of the world...these are just a few of the amazing blessings which remain long after the Vision Trip ends. We also spend several days experiencing the breathtaking natural beauty of Africa and her wildlife out on safari in the vast Serengeti Plains and down in the sunken volcano known as the Ngorongoro Crater. Visitors to these natural wonders of Tanzania support one of the primary means of employment in this impoverished country, where most people survive on an income of under $1 a day. Cost The approximate cost is $4,295 per person (estimated). This cost covers airfare (approx.. $2,500), visas, ground transportation, all lodging, permits, guides and meals. The actual total cost of the trip is subsidized by generous partners of our Vision Trip outreach. You will be responsible for securing your passport (if necessary) and recommended inoculations and travel medication taken during the trip. Tipping is done very modestly, so figure about $3 per day. The trip payment schedule is as follows: $295 – Non-refundable deposit will reserve your spot on the trip (Due by Dec. 15, 2015) $1000 – due January 15, 2016 $2000 – due March 15, 2016 $1000 – due May 15, 2016 Alternative payment schedules can be arranged upon request. Simply speak with Pastor Chad to work out a payment plan that better meets your needs. Air Transport We will most likely fly from Minneapolis on Delta Airlines to Amsterdam, and then fly KLM Airlines directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport near Moshi, Tanzania. Depending on airfare at the time of booking, alternative routes and/or airlines may be used. Special arrangements can also be made to depart from other US cities. 2016 Tanzania Vision Trip Accommodations & Ground Transportation These are arranged with the Uhuru Lutheran Hotel (www.uhuruhotel.org) of the Northern Diocese. Much of the time we will stay in modest motel-like facilities. Rooms are double occupancy, each with its own bathroom. On safari we will spend several nights at relatively nice lodges. Schedule Our days in Tanzania will be full and rich. This two-week adventure provides you with a wonderful introduction to life in a developing country through visits to churches, schools, health centers, ministry sites, and local villages. Our safari will be to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Environment Tanzania is a desperately poor country with a limited infrastructure. Healthcare is nowhere near American standards. If you have health concerns, you will need to assess that risk. Tanzania is not very accessible for those with physical disabilities. Attitude Tanzania is not the USA and this is not a commercial tour. Despite comprehensive planning, we know there will likely be surprises, breakdowns, delays, disconnects, and other unforeseen events. That is just the reality in Africa and really, who would want it any other way? But it does mean that trip participants need to understand and accept this and adopt the African attitude. If a monkey should take your hat, you are expected to say “hakuna shida”… no problem! Adaptable and positive attitudes are important qualities to have along. Preparation We have a detailed travel manual to help you prepare for the trip as well as a trip orientation. The travel manual will be mailed to you upon receipt of your $295 deposit. Healthcare Your health is paramount and proper health preparations for the Tanzania trip are your responsibility. Contact a traveler’s clinic or your local physician about what kind of shots, etc… that you need. There are several things travelers can do to be well prepared: 1. Be up to date on routine immunizations. This includes: (1) Tetanus-diphtheria within 10 years; (2) for those born 1957 and later who did not have measles, 2 measles-mumps-rubella shots; (3) either a history of chickenpox in the individual, a history of exposure to chickenpox without getting sick, or the chickenpox vaccine; (4) for some people in special situations, other routine immunizations are needed. For example, those 65 and over (or with certain medical conditions) need pneumococcal vaccine. 2. Have protection against diseases that spread through contaminated food and water. This includes: (1) a polio booster as an adult (because recent cases of polio in Africa could be a problem); (2) Hepatitis A vaccine; (3) Ask the travel clinic about typhoid vaccine. 3. In addition to mosquito avoidance measures (like insect repellent), medicine to prevent malaria. The choices are doxycycline, mefloquine (Lariam), and atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone). The choice will vary from person to person. Some people have medical conditions that prevent them from taking some medicines. Also, for those who pay for their malaria medications out of pocket and have no prescription drug coverage, the cost of malaria medications can vary tremendously from one to the next. In addition, some medicines are more convenient to take than others. Bed nets are provided in Tanzania in areas where they are needed. 4. Bring loperamide (Imodium AD) to take in case someone gets mild diarrhea. Also, consider a prescription for levofloxacin to take in case of severe diarrhea. Page 2 2016 Tanzania Vision Trip Passport If you do not have a valid United States passport, please secure one now. For those who have a passport, make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of the trip. Trip Orientation An orientation for the trip will be held in January of 2015. Registration Space is limited! Many people ask if family members and friends can go – the answer is YES! Anyone is welcome! To register, return a $295 deposit per person to the POP church office at: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 7217 W Broadway Ave. Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 (make checks payable to “Prince of Peace Lutheran Church” with “2015 TZ Vision Trip” on memo line) For more registration details or information, please contact Pr. Chad Brekke at 763-560-8958 or at [email protected]. Page 3 2016 Tanzania Vision Trip Registration Form Full Name (exactly as it appears on passport)___________________________________ Birthday______________ Address :_____________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ________________________________________________________ Home Phone Number: _________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________________________ Housing - Rooms are typically two persons to a room. Special Needs or Requests: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Please return this completed form and $295 non-refundable deposit by December 15, 2015 to: Rev. Chad Brekke Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 7217 W Broadway Ave. Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 (Make checks payable to “Prince of Peace Lutheran Church” and write “TZ Vision Trip” on memo line) Page 4
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